American History Hit: Episode Summary - "Jamestown: Surviving The Fort"

In the third installment of the Jamestown series on American History Hit, host Don Wildman delves deep into the tumultuous early years of the Jamestown colony. Joined by Willie Balderson, Director of Living History and Historic Trades at Jamestown Rediscovery, the episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the colony's establishment, struggles, governance, and lasting impact on American history.

1. Introduction to Jamestown's Founding

Don Wildman sets the stage by contrasting the burgeoning metropolis of London in the 1620s with the dire conditions faced by the Jamestown settlers across the Atlantic. While London thrived with a population exceeding 200,000, Jamestown struggled with threats from Native Americans, rampant disease, and scarce resources.

Don Wildman [00:01]:
"While the poor crowd into makeshift dwellings built wherever space allows, the wealthy move through the city in French tailored clothing of indigo dyed fabrics and silk stockings."

2. Establishment and Governance of Jamestown

Willie Balderson addresses common misconceptions about Jamestown's success, highlighting that the settlement remained the capital for 92 years from its founding in 1607 until 1699. He emphasizes that early hardships should not overshadow Jamestown's longevity and eventual stabilization.

Willie Balderson [02:08]:
"Jamestown was established in 1607 and remained the capital for 92 years. The early years were undoubtedly the most challenging, but they laid the groundwork for future success."

3. The Virginia Company of London and Leadership Structure

The Virginia Company of London, founded by a group of London merchants, sought to emulate the Spanish and Portuguese successes in the New World by establishing profitable colonies. Balderson explains the company's expectations of finding valuable commodities to ensure shareholder profits.

Willie Balderson [03:15]:
"The company's primary goal was to exploit the New World for gold, silver, medicinal plants, and culinary herbs, much like the Spanish had done in Central and South America."

Don and Willie discuss the unique governance structure of Jamestown, where leadership was not predetermined but decided upon arrival through a council of six gentlemen. This democratic approach, however, led to significant challenges in the colony's initial years.

Don Wildman [09:12]:
"The language in the orders was straightforward: establish one equal and uniform government over all Virginia, providing just laws for the happy, guiding, and governing of the people."

4. John Smith: Adventurer and Leader

A focal point of the discussion is John Smith, whose dramatic and adventurous background set him apart from his peers. Smith's experiences in Europe, including his captivity by the Turks and escape, endowed him with leadership skills that proved invaluable to Jamestown's survival.

Willie Balderson [10:54]:
"John Smith arrived in Jamestown amid conflict but quickly took command, exploring the Chesapeake Bay and mapping the region, which was crucial for the colony's expansion."

Smith's role as Truck Master, responsible for securing food through trade and negotiation with Native Americans, was pivotal. His famous declaration, “Those that shall not work, shall not eat,” underscored his commitment to discipline and communal survival.

Don Wildman [17:56]:
"When Smith returned successfully from his expeditions, he created two maps that, unfortunately, were lost. His efforts in securing food were instrumental in keeping the colony alive through its direst times."

5. The Harsh Realities: Disease and Starvation

The settlers faced immense hardships, including severe disease outbreaks and hostile engagements with Native Americans. The first summer alone saw the population drop from 104 to 93 due to attacks and disease.

Willie Balderson [35:21]:
"The settlers were plagued by what they described as cruel diseases—swellings, fluxes, burning fevers—and by conflicts with the naturals, leading to significant mortality."

The "Starving Time" during the winter of 1609-1610 was particularly devastating, reducing the population to a mere 60 survivors out of approximately 350. Archaeological evidence, such as butchered human remains, corroborates contemporary accounts of cannibalism and extreme desperation.

Don Wildman [37:44]:
"By the end of that winter, they were eating their belts and resorting to the most harrowing measures to survive."

6. Arrival of Women and Social Structure

In 1608, the arrival of the first women, including Mistress Forrest and her maidservant Ann Burroughs, marked a significant shift towards establishing a stable, multi-generational community. These settlers were exceptions in a predominantly male population and symbolized the colony's transition from survival to societal development.

Willie Balderson [27:12]:
"The arrival of women like Mistress Forrest and Ann Burroughs was pivotal. They were among the few who married and started families, laying the foundation for a more stable and sustainable community."

7. Economic Transformation: From Corn to Tobacco

Initially reliant on maize (corn) and limited crops, Jamestown's economy began to transform with the introduction of tobacco cultivation. John Rolfe's experimentation with tobacco seeds, believed to have been procured from Bermuda, led to the establishment of a lucrative cash crop that became the backbone of Virginia's economy.

Willie Balderson [46:47]:
"John Rolfe's introduction of hybridized tobacco, which was more palatable and easier to grow, revolutionized the colony's economy and set the stage for its growth."

8. Introduction of Enslaved Africans and the Seeds of Slavery

A pivotal moment discussed is the arrival of Africans freed from a Spanish slave ship, marking the beginning of African enslavement in English North America. These individuals were initially viewed as indentured servants but laid the groundwork for the entrenched system of slavery that would persist for centuries.

Don Wildman [51:16]:
"This was the beginning of what would become a 400-year history of enslavement in America, starting with these Africans who were seized and brought to Jamestown."

Willie Balderson [52:20]:
"The transition from viewing these individuals as servants to codifying their status in society was rapid, fueled by necessity and economic motivations."

9. Transition to Martial Law and Strict Regulations

By 1610, recognizing the need for stricter governance, the Virginia Company dispatched a governor with absolute authority and declared martial law. New laws reinforced religious piety and strict order, reflecting a shift from the earlier, more democratic council system.

Willie Balderson [41:17]:
"The company declared martial law and established stringent laws that tied the colony's efforts to a divine mission, emphasizing order and productivity."

Don Wildman [42:43]:
"The laws were extreme, with severe punishments for blasphemy, false witness, and disrespect towards authority, illustrating the dire measures taken to maintain control."

10. Legacy and Archaeological Insights

The episode concludes with Balderson discussing the ongoing Jamestown Rediscovery project, which has uncovered significant archaeological evidence, including the remnants of the first fort and proof of the colony's harrowing experiences. These findings provide invaluable insights into the early struggles and resilience of the Jamestown settlers.

Willie Balderson [55:11]:
"Our excavation has revealed that 87% of the fort's footprint survives, offering a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the settlers' experiences."

Closing Thoughts

Jamestown: Surviving The Fort offers a nuanced portrayal of one of America's earliest colonies. Through detailed discussions and expert insights, Don Wildman and Willie Balderson illuminate the complex interplay of leadership, survival, economic ambitions, and the dark beginnings of systemic slavery. This episode not only chronicles the challenges faced by the Jamestown settlers but also underscores the profound legacy these early years have left on the fabric of American history.

Notable Quotes:

• John Smith's Leadership:

  Willie Balderson [17:56]:
  "Smith was pressed into leadership roles by necessity and his prior experiences made him uniquely suited to navigate the colony through its direst times."

• On Governance:

  Don Wildman [09:12]:
  "There’s no one exactly in charge, there’s no president of the council... It was meant to be a collective leadership."

• On the Arrival of Enslaved Africans:

  Don Wildman [51:16]:
  "This was the beginning of what would become a 400-year history of enslavement in America."

Further Resources:

For those interested in exploring more about the Jamestown Rediscovery project and uncovering the full story of Jamestown's early years, visit historicjamestown.org.